I'm Back

During the first week of August I scheduled meetings with the leadership groups of the parish.  In separate meetings I met with the Parish staff, the Parish Trustees, and the Parish Pastoral Council.  I gave them no agenda other than I wanted to speak to them and receive their feedback on a matter that was of some importance to me as pastor.  My intention is to share that same information with the whole parish by writing this column.  This is what I said to the leadership groups, and now I share it with all parishioners:

“As you know, I was away from the parish during the month of July.  It gave me time and opportunity for some welcome relaxation and renewal.  At the same time it gave me opportunity for needed Cataract Surgery.  I have successfully completed that surgery.

My summer schedule also gave me some time to address another health issue.  During this past year some of you have noticed (as I have) that I was having difficulty with memory lapses.  There have been times when I forgot how to respond to something or I lost my place in a public prayer.  Sometimes it has been while I was preaching – preaching had thus become more difficult for me.  Sometimes it is prolonged hesitancy while participating in ordinary conversation.  Sometimes I have seriously lost my way in going some where or finding my parked car.  Finally the doctor told me I had to find out what was wrong.  So I began some testing because these times of forgetfulness just could not be ignored.  The freedom of my summer schedule of being away from the parish gave me a chance to look more closely at this.  I wanted to find out what was causing these problems so that I could get some help to deal with them.

I am very grateful to the parish staff and volunteers who kept everything in the parish moving forward during my absence.  Many visiting priests helped us as well.

Today I want not only to thank you for your help in the summer, but now I ask you for your continued support as I try to deal with these memory lapses.  I am receiving medical care that promises to be helpful.  That care includes some medication that I am now taking.  I am also being helped by consultation not only with my regular doctor, but also with a local respected neurologist.  Other professional assistance has been helpful as well.  Some neurological testing is also included.

My first goal is to have a good idea from the doctors and professionals as to what I am dealing with, so that an appropriate response can be made.  Based on initial feedback from the neurologist, I feel very positive about the outlook and I have reason to be optimistic. The doctors have emphasized that I should continue my priestly ministry while treatment is carried out.  I hope to do so with your help.

I ask you to join me in placing my confidence and future in God’s hands while praying for healing through the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Fr. Charlie Froehle

Published in Bulletin: August 21,st 2010